Same As It Never Was (Part 2)
Part 1
*
When Jonghyun woke for the third time that evening, he found himself taking in the sight of the bedroom he was in instead of wondering if he’d stumbled across a serial killer and was about to become the next victim.
The room looked very strange to him, but also beautiful in an old fashioned kind of way: there was the four poster bed covered with sheets of black silk, huge, heavy looking silver drapes covering the large window, the furniture was wooden and appeared to have been hand carved out of silver birch- all in all it was a nice room, but nothing at all like what his ex-boyfriend would have chosen.
So perhaps the man that claimed to be a Faerie was telling the truth- even so, it still didn't explain why this Faerie and his ex-boyfriend shared the same name and face.
Suddenly distracted by the smell of food filtering in through the partially open door, Jonghyun climbed out of bed, noticing a neat pile of clothes set on the end of it and a note, written in beautiful calligraphy, from Taemin saying that his clothes were not yet dry so to please use the ones he left for him because he was welcome to them, and that he was sorry for any trouble this might cause him.
Taemin’s name was signed elegantly at the bottom of the page.
Dressing in the black pants that bunched around his ankles and the grey shirt, he laughed softly when the sleeves for that were too long too, and covered his hands; it was amusing really, the thought that he was small than a Faerie when he’d always been led to believe Faeries to be tiny creatures with bad attitudes.
Or maybe that was just Tinkerbell.
Shaking his head at himself, and feeling oddly comforted by the scent clinging to the material of his clothes - Taemin the Faerie even smelled like his Taemin, like musk and sandalwood and man - Jonghyun headed out of the bedroom, soon getting lost in the rather large house as he tried to follow the smell of food.
Wandering around, Jonghyun noticed that all the interior décor seemed to resemble that of the night- black, indigo, purple, silver, grey and white, and found the whole thing strangely enchanting.
Finally finding the kitchen (that was also huge) Jonghyun saw Taemin, standing with his back to him and apparently cooking, so he took a few moments to simply stand and watch him, comparing him to his own Taemin. They moved with the same graceful fluidity, their mannerisms were the same, but yet Jonghyun knew that this wasn't his Taemin- for a start, the Taemin he’d known for years couldn't cook to save his life, and this one; fuck it smelled amazing whatever he was making.
“Hello, Jonghyun.” Taemin said without turning around, making him jump.
“How did you know I was here?” he asked, sure that he’d been as quiet as a mouse.
Taemin turned to him then, “Faeries have a keen sense of sight and sound,” he smiled, violet eyes glittering, “I heard you get up.”
“What’re you cooking?” Jonghyun asked, not really knowing what else to say.
“Venison and winter vegetable stew, I thought you’d like something to warm you up.” Taemin told him, and it made Jonghyun smile as he thanked him for both the food and the clothes.
Nodding, Taemin told him to take a seat at the large wooden table, and when he did so the Faerie handed him a deep bowl of stew alongside a plate of savoury herb biscuits and a glass of wonderfully aromatic red wine to help with his nerves, apparently.
“Are you joining me?” Jonghyun asked when the Faerie didn't automatically sit himself down.
“If you wish me to.”
“I do.” Jonghyun said, surprising himself with his words.
He’d be lying if he said Taemin’s answering smile wasn't beautiful- but perhaps that was magic, too.
Jonghyun felt a little awkward though, sitting with Taemin who wasn't Taemin, it especially wasn't helped by the intense way the Faerie kept looking at him.
“Is the food not to your liking?” Taemin asked, breaking Jonghyun’s daydreams and making him realise that he wasn't really eating his food so much as pushing it around his bowl.
“It’s delicious, really,” Jonghyun assured him, “I’m just feeling a little…strange, I guess.”
Concern darkened Taemin’s features, “Are you feeling unwell?” he asked, then continued before he could say anything, “You do have a head injury, perhaps I should call for a Shaman to tend to you.”
“I’m not sure what a Shaman is but I’m sure I don't need one.” Jonghyun said, “I’m just finding all this a little hard to grasp and accept- but I’m sure I’ll get used to the idea.”
Taemin nodded his understanding but didn't question him further, and Jonghyun found himself wondering what the Faerie had meant by exile earlier - he’d always been naturally curious - but he had no idea if it was an okay thing for him to be asking about.
“Something is troubling you,” Taemin said as though reading his mind, “Do not be worried about your questions, Jonghyun- if I know the answer, I will give it to you.”
“I was just wondering,” he started, unsure of how to phrase his question then took a deep breath and decided to just spit it out, “Why were you exiled?”
Taemin gave him an odd look then, one so full of remorse, betrayal, anger and something he couldn't quite read that he almost had to look away from those violet eyes suddenly alight with emotion, though the Faerie remained quiet for so long Jonghyun began to wonder if he was going to answer at all, so much so that he actually jumped when Taemin spoke.
“I was exiled for murdering the Jonghyun of this world, the King of the Unseelie Court, which is why I thought I was seeing things when you came here-“
“You murdered your King?” Jonghyun almost shouted, suddenly outraged.
“Of course not! I was wrongly accused, the Queen murdered our King,” Taemin told him, “And let me take the fall for it.”
“Why would she murder her own husband?”
“Because it is the law of the Courts that every one hundred years the Courts Rule changes, from Queen to King, and then back again- and Gwiboon didn't want to give up her reign even temporarily, nor did she wish to endure the rule of a husband she never loved, or even respected.”
Jonghyun’s heart sank at the pain he could hear in Taemin’s voice, and felt guilty for almost judging him too quickly, “That’s terrible, I can’t imagine somebody being so cold, so cruel as to do something like that.”
“The King did not deserve his Fate,” Taemin agreed, “He was kind of heart, an exceptional ruler and a brave warrior. To be literally stabbed in the back by his own kin is a great dishonour to him, and a tragedy to the Unseelie Court who loved him as their King.”
“You must have loved the King too, to speak so highly of him.”
“More than words could ever truly express,” Taemin said, smiling sadly, “But I failed him and as such deserve my punishment.”
Confused, Jonghyun frowned, “Why- why was it you the Queen chose to set up?”
“I was one of the King’s personal Guards- a Knight of the Court, so I was always close to him.” Taemin said, their eyes locking across the table, violet meeting cocoa brown, “We were also lovers, in secret,” he admitted, “And I suspect Queen Gwiboon knew. She used my dagger to murder the King, so it was easy for her to make me look guilty. But my punishment is just because I should have saved him.” Jonghyun went to say something, but the Faerie continued before he could so much as open his mouth,
“I believe the Moirae have gotten involved, have intervened to bring you here so that you can bring balance back to our crumbling world somehow, but in doing so they’ve put you in very real danger- if the Queen finds out about your existence, you’re dead.”
Frightened by Taemin’s words, Jonghyun shuddered, “I don't want to die.” He said quietly before he could stop himself.
“I will protect you Jonghyun, with my life if necessary.” Taemin promised, “Until your task here is complete.”
“That’s very brave but you won’t have to do anything like that because I’m not staying here to close some rift that wasn't even caused by me.” Jonghyun told him, “I intend to go back home as soon as I find a way, please, you have to understand- I have my own life to get back to, my own relationship issues to sort out and I can’t exactly do that from here.”
“It will not be easy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Getting you here was the easy part,” the Faerie told him, “But the way back won’t be the same- it probably won’t even be in the same place.”
“Then how the hell am I supposed to get home?” Jonghyun cried, feeling tearful, “I want to go home, Taemin.”
“And I will help you find a way,” Taemin assured him, “but you are welcome to stay here in the meantime, if nothing else- you’ll be safer.”
Jonghyun simply nodded, returning to pushing his food around his bowl, after all-
It wasn't like he had much choice in the matter.
*
Days had gone by since Jonghyun had collapsed into Taemin’s life like a dying star falling from the sky, but the Faerie still couldn't quite grasp the fact that he was here - alive - and in his house. Obviously he knew that this person wasn't his Jonghyun, the human knew nothing of the world he’d stumbled into, but other than a few slight differences in appearance they were exactly alike.
This human Jonghyun was inquisitive and strangely understanding- Taemin had expected him to walk to run as far away from him as possible when he found out the reason for his exile, but to the little human’s credit he was completely open to the idea of his innocence and it made Taemin want to protect him in any way he could.
In the short time Jonghyun had been here, Taemin had made sure to show him around his stately home, and the home was now falling asleep on the sofa in his living room, watching FNN (Faerie Network News). In Jonghyun’s defence, it was a report about a missing Fae - the third in as many months - and not really having an understanding of the information he could see why it would bore the human to sleep.
Knowing he needed his rest to recover from both his accident and the shock of waking up in a world so different to his own, Taemin lifted Jonghyun up gently, to which the human automatically wrapped his arms around his neck - just like his King used to do when he was tired or weak and would allow it - as he carried him back to his bedroom to sleep properly.
“Y’know I hate it when you leave me in bed.” Jonghyun mumbled sleepily, and it pulling on the strings of Taemin’s long dead heart in such a way it had him speaking softly in reply as though he was the Taemin this human so missed.
“I’m sorry,” he almost whispered, “I won’t leave you- go back to sleep.”
Tucking Jonghyun in Taemin then climbed onto the bed beside him, and the Faerie was pretty sure he had no idea what he was doing when he curled up to the human like they were lovers. Wrapping an arm around him, Taemin watched as Jonghyun mumbled something incoherent before falling back to sleep.
This whole situation was very surreal and he didn't really know how he was supposed to feel about it, let alone what he should do now that Jonghyun was here.
Figuring if he really was anything like his beloved King, then this little human wouldn't wake if he moved, and so Taemin climbed back out of bed quietly, heading down to the library he’d built up over the years to do some research of his own on inter world portals and the mysterious Moirae.
He found out a book entitled Myths of the Ancient World, and looked up a summoning spell for communicating with the Moirae, pulling several other volumes from the shelves dedicated to parallel worlds and portal magic.
Thankfully the summoning spell was a lot simpler than the portal magic: all the Faerie needed was a chalice, an Atheme and his own blood. Slicing open his palm and letting his blood drip into the bottom of the silver chalice, Taemin spoke clearly, “I wish to be granted an audience with the Moirae, and for permission to question them about their recent inter-world intervention.”
To his surprise, his blood started bubbling in the chalice as though it was boiling, smoke rising into the air, swirling around in a circular motion until becoming a screen of sorts, a beautiful woman appearing within the smoky tendrils, “My name is Clotho, the weaver of mortal destinies,” she told him, “Your audience has been granted.”
“My deepest thanks, Lady Clotho,” Taemin said, bowing his head politely before getting straight to the point because he doubted she would linger for long, “You have sent a human, Jonghyun, to this dangerous place and I would like to know why, and if there is a way to send him back safely.”
Clotho smiled, “He can be sent back, but he will choose not to be- he is with you now to regain the order than has been lost since the death of the Unseelie King.”
“Why me?” Taemin asked, “Why my place of existence?”
“The human needs a protector, a Knight- and you are the one.”
“I am no longer a Knight, I lost that honour long ago when I failed my King.”
Clotho narrowed her gaze, “And you shall fail again without vigilance and the will to fight,” she warned, “Jonghyun will find that destiny is in his blood, and you must protect him from the Dark Queen, if the boy is lost to her this world will suffer, along with all the creatures that call it home.”
Sighing, Taemin straightened himself up before speaking again, “What do I have to do?”
“When the time comes for you to know…you will.”
“You’re being unnecessarily cryptic.”
“It is necessary.” Clotho told him, “Do not try too hard to send Jonghyun away, this world needs him- and so do you, Taemin, Knight of the Unseelie Court.”
“What do you mean-“
“Unless you are in grave danger,” Clotho interrupted, “Do not contact the Moirae again.”
The image faded then, the smoke soon disappearing along with it, leaving Taemin feeling no less confused but far more worried about Jonghyun than he ought to be.
*
After a few days of spending most of his time cooped up in Taemin’s bedroom being fussed by a Faerie that flitted around him so fast and so frequently he was starting to feel a little stir crazy…and dizzy.
He wasn't entirely sure what had gotten into Taemin - after all in this world he barely knew him - but he was treating him as though he was made of glass that could shatter at any moment if the Faerie spoke too loud and was almost constantly trying to do things for him.
“Are we going to do anything today Taemin?” Jonghyun asked when the Faerie brought him lunch that consisted of poached salmon salad with boiled potatoes and a glass of orange juice.
“What do you mean?” Taemin questioned, looking adorably confused.
“Well, as grateful as I am that you’re taking such good care of me, I might go mad if I have to stay in bed when there’s nothing wrong with me, with you acting like I might die if I stand up by myself.” Jonghyun said, smiling when the Faerie pulled a face.
“My apologies.” Taemin said guiltily, “I was trying to help you recover.”
“I know, and you’ve been wonderful I just- your world sounds so different from mind and well…I would like to see it.”
Taemin nodded in quiet understanding, “And I am different to the Taemin you know, too.” He said, making Jonghyun feel a little uncomfortable as he started to wonder if Faeries could read minds at all.
“You’re different to my Jonghyun, too.” Taemin said a moment later, “But I will take you into the city after you’ve eaten, if that would please you.”
The offer took Jonghyun a little by surprise, “I’d like that,” he smiled, “I’d like that a lot.”
As promised, an hour or so later and they were both ready to go, though Jonghyun had caught on to Taemin’s apprehension as they left the house, “What’s wrong?”
“Keep this with you,” the Faerie said in way of an answer, handing him a small dagger, “Just in case we get separated.”
Jonghyun nodded, slipping the small blade into his pocket, though he thought (hoped) he wasn't likely to need it.
The city was really strange to Jonghyun, it was a lot like the city he’d known all his life, save for the different creatures wandering the streets and some buildings that didn't exist back home that looked ancient and full of magic - like they were made out of trees or mountains themselves. They obviously weren’t manmade, and really were beautiful, almost ethereally so, and Jonghyun was fascinated by them; he could have sworn some of them even seemed to breathe.
“The magic folk don't hide from humans here,” Taemin explained as they wandered the city, “They are the ones who claimed this land first, and technically allowed man to co-exist with them. I’m not sure about where you’re from, but here the five Grand Palaces belong to the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and are in constant use.”
That was a piece of information Jonghyun hadn’t been expecting, “In my world they’re tourist attractions now, mostly empty.” He sighed, “It must be amazing to have them all active.”
“Gyeongbok Palace is home to the Seelie Court, Changgyeong Palace is the Unseelie Courts home, Changdeok Palace is where the creatures of the Night hold their courts- led by the Vampires and Werewolves, Gyeonghui Palace is where the Day creatures make their court- led by the Seraphs, and finally Deoksu Palace is the residence of Man’s court.” Taemin told him, smiling as he watched him absorb all this new knowledge, “The Lesser Palaces were gifted to the other races centuries ago by the rulers of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, so that co-existing would be fairer and each creature or human had a place to hold important meetings between the Courts so that peace remained.”
“It seems like a good use for the Palaces,” Jonghyun said, “Definitely better than what we’re using them for.”
“I can’t imagine the buildings being empty.” Taemin admitted, “I’ll let you see them some time soon, but you’ll have to be careful- I can’t show you around personally as I’m forbidden due to being in exile.”
Jonghyun smiled at the Faerie’s concern, “I won’t wander far from you Taemin, I promise.”
“That makes me happy,” Taemin said, “I do not wish for history to repeat itself.”
The deep run guilt the Faerie felt for what happened to the King was obvious to Jonghyun, though Taemin clearly fought hard to keep his emotions in check in front of him; it was a thought that made him feel unexpectedly sad.
“Would you like me to buy you some clothes for while you’re here?” Taemin asked, changing the subject to one less painful, “Not that you don't look adorable in my things, of course.”
Blushing hotly at the compliment, Jonghyun wasn't sure what to say for a moment, “I’d like that, but you shouldn't spend a lot- I won’t be here for long.”
He couldn't help but notice the odd look Taemin gave him then, but it was gone so quickly he have wondered if he’d imagined it. Though Jonghyun had to admit he liked this new world so far (and this Taemin), he couldn't help but feel genuinely worried that he would never see his own world, his own home again.
*
Taemin couldn’t help it, he decided, feeling strange around Jonghyun, not that his little human had done anything wrong- quite the opposite. Over the last hour or two Jonghyun had tried on a few different articles of clothing made from Fairy silk, Phoenix feather, Unicorn hair (not from live Unicorns) and Minotaur leather, amongst other things. Though he’d been greatly accepting of all that was new to him, Taemin had found Jonghyun several manmade things too to try and make him feel more at home, and the way the human’s eyes had lit up at the sight of them had the Faerie gladly buying them for him.
It had been centuries since Taemin was cursed with Immortality and exiled for the death of the King, yet somehow he still missed him like it was only yesterday he’d been stolen from him, and he honestly wished he’d have known how to reverse the curse so that he could have died alongside his King. But sadly it was not to be, and now Jonghyun was back - in a way - and for as much as he was trying to fight them, the Faerie’s long since buried emotions were bubbling beneath the surface once more, seconds from sweeping him under and carrying him away on a tidal wave that would never break land.
If he was in possession of more of his powers then Taemin would be able to shut them out, these feelings, but most of his power lay in his Dark Fae Emblem, and he watched that burn with the King during his warriors burial- a funeral pyre out over the river - so time and grief had taken that ability from him and he was left to endure his turmoil.
But the feelings his little human stirred within Taemin weren’t just grief and regret, no, to his horror there was hope, and if he wasn't mistaken- the first flickering of a love he thought long dead; and that was the last thing the Faerie wanted.
Unaware of Taemin’s internal lamenting, Jonghyun was peering into a jewelry store window, one owned by a very friendly Centaur that Taemin owed his life to thanks to the shelter he gave him from the Unseelie Knights a long time ago; the Faerie had never forgotten it.
The Centaur, Jongwoon, waved at him and Taemin inclined his head in acknowledgment, “Would you like to meet one of my friends?” he asked Jonghyun.
“I’d love to.” came the enthusiastic reply from his little human, though he was obviously nervous.
Leading the way into A Tapestry of Jewels, Taemin felt a little concerned when he noticed how Jonghyun visibly paled at the sight of the Centaur. Before he could say anything of reassurance, Jongwoon had Taemin up to hug him hard, “It’s been too long, Taemin.” He said, voice of a deep tone that the Faerie often forgot the sound of; they saw one another so scarcely.
“Indeed it has, my friend.” He said, patting his large shoulder.
Seemingly noticing that they had company for the first time, Jongwoon did a double take of Jonghyun before getting down on his knees- not an easy feat for a horse of almost eighteen hands high (without his human half), “Please forgive me your Majesty, but I thought you to be dead- it is an honour to meet you.”
Jonghyun went so red in the face that Taemin actually laughed, “Jongwoon forgive me, I should have explained,” he said as the Centaur rose to his feet, “This is Jonghyun, but he is not our King, but a human from another world sent by the Moirae.”
“It is still an honour, and incredible that you are the embodiment of our late King.”
“It’s lovely to meet such a nice man…horse- um, Centaur.” Jonghyun said, looking flustered, more so when Jongwoon laughed.
“Are you unused to my kind, Jonghyun?”
Jonghyun nodded, “Yes, magic and the supernatural don't exist where I’m from, only humans, so I’m not really sure how to address you.”
“Using my name will be fine,” Jongwoon smiled, “This world must be quite a shock to you.”
“The strangest thing is that a lot of the people I know back home are here, or they at least look the same- except in this world most of them aren’t human.” Jonghyun told the Centaur, and it made Taemin smile when he displayed again just how open he was to the new things that surrounded him.
“The Moirae want Jonghyun to bring peace to our world,” Taemin said when he’d made sure there was nobody lingering nearby to eavesdrop, “But without knowledge of it he’s vulnerable.”
“Then I have the perfect trinket.” Jongwoon told them, “Consider it a gift to welcome you here.”
The Centaur then trotted - yes, trotted - to the back of the spacious, open plan store, to the display cabinet that double up as a cashier’s desk, pulling out a silver ring with a large, exquisitely cut smoky quartz set between two small emeralds, handing it to Jonghyun.
“This will help protect you from whatever you may come across during your time here.”
“It’s beautiful,” Jonghyun said, looking a little emotional, “Thank you so much.”
About half as beautiful as you, Taemin found himself thinking out of the blue, so shocked by his thoughts he was actually pleased when Jongwoon steered the conversation to the more serious, “If it’s the Unseelie Queen you’re up again,” the Centaur said, “Call if you have need of me and I will gladly be at your service.”
“Thank you.” Taemin said, talking with him for a few moments longer before buying Jonghyun the pieces of jewelry he’d noticed him gazing at before, “Please, keep Jonghyun’s likeness to the King to yourself- the longer he can remain hidden from the Queen, the safer he will be.”
“You have my word.”
“As always, I owe you a great debt Jongwoon.”
“If all this pans out,” Jongwoon said, “Consider it repaid.”
Right now, Taemin could only hope that it would.
*
Later that day, when Jonghyun was safely back at Taemin’s house, the Faerie had given him his own bedroom so that he had his own private space - just next door to his, in the safest part of the house - and was now stood watching his little human excitedly put away his things; it brought an unexpected smile to Taemin’s lips.
“If I ask you a question, do you still promise to give me an answer if you know it?” Jonghyun asked, turning to face him.
Taemin nodded, “Of course.”
“What did you mean earlier, about the Moirae wanting me to bring peace to this world?”
“I contacted them for help in getting you home,” Taemin admitted, stepping further into the room, “They will not reverse what they’ve done, we have to find our own way- but they told me that they did bring you here to put an end to the Unseelie Queen’s quest for power, but being Moirae they were cryptic and wouldn't tell me exactly how we’re supposed to do that.”
The Faerie wasn't at all surprised when Jonghyun’s reaction to that information wasn't exactly great, and Taemin watched as he started pulling his own things out of the duffel bag he’d had with him, “How is this even possible?” he asked, but didn't wait for an answer, “It isn’t and I’m not staying to stop anything, let alone a Queen without unimaginable power and an evil nature- how could I? I’m only human.”
Following his instincts, Taemin moved to comfort him, but when he took Jonghyun’s hand he gasped when pain shot through his own.
“What’s that ring made of?” the Faerie asked when he noticed the band around Jonghyun’s finger.
Jonghyun looked worried, “I’m not sure other than metal, obviously.” He frowned in concentration, “Some kind of iron maybe? It was my great grandfather’s I think- passed down through the family, why, what’s wrong?”
“Iron burns Faeries.” Taemin said simply, showing him the scars left from his shackles centuries ago that had never truly disappeared.
“God, I’m so sorry- I had no idea!” Jonghyun rambled; pulling the ring off and shoving it into his bag so hastily he knocked the whole thing over, flinching when something else hit the floor with a clatter.
For the second time in just a few days, Taemin found himself unable to believe his eyes when Jonghyun picked up a white gold necklace with an emblem made from moonstone and sunstone; his Dark Fae Emblem.
“This isn’t mine.” Jonghyun said quickly, “I have no idea where it came from.”
“It can’t be-“ Taemin started, but then the necklace began to glow, brighter when Jonghyun dropped it in shock.
“It’s warm- Taemin why is it warm?” he asked, “And also glowing?”
“This is my Dark Fae Emblem- I watched it burn with the King centuries ago.” Taemin explained, watching as the glow then grew brighter still, engulfing him completely for a moment or two before dimming once more.
The Faerie felt stronger than he had in an age.
“Its power will return gradually.” Taemin said when Jonghyun handed it to him, “As will mine. Until then you should keep it for protection- it will obey your commands.”
“Why?” Jonghyun asked, looking more confused than ever.
Taemin smiled sadly, “Because it already knows you.
*
Since the reappearance of his Emblem, Taemin had been feeling stronger every day, and the only explanation the Faerie could think of for it being in his possession once more was that the Moirae had sent it to him somehow to help him protect Jonghyun.
The more time he spent with his little human, the more Taemin genuinely wanted to protect him, and it was this realisation that made his resurfacing feelings start to make more sense to him. In most ways, Jonghyun was the same as his King, and as the Moirae liked to play it would make sense for Taemin to love him, too.
Jonghyun had been spending most of his time holed up in Taemin’s library, reading though book after book about the inhabitants of this world as well as trying to find a way back to his own, sure that his family and friends must be wondering where he was by now.
Taemin knew that Jonghyun was scared, but the Faerie was starting to suspect that he will help them restore balance long since lost anyway- and he wanted to ensure that he was as prepared as he could be for what he might face.
Heading down to the library to check on Jonghyun, the Faerie wasn't surprised to find him bent over a book on gateways and how to use them.
“Would you like a drink, Jonghyun? Maybe take a break from your arduous studies.” Taemin offered when he noticed how uncomfortable he looked.
Jonghyun smiled gratefully, “I’d love one of those fruity teas you keep making for me.”
Smiling, Taemin held a hand up and clicked his fingers, laughing when Jonghyun jumped slightly as a cup of fruit tea appeared on the desk next to him.
“How did you do that?” Jonghyun exclaimed.
“The necklace you’re wearing is the source of my powers as a Faerie, so the longer I’m near it the stronger I get.”
“Shouldn't you be wearing it then?” Jonghyun asked, grasping the emblem tightly when the Faerie merely shook his head and smiled, “I don't understand how any of this works.”
“Each Faerie is given an Emblem necklace at birth that is connected to both their blood, and both Courts, and when the King died I felt like I had died with him- and so decided that my powers were worthless because I couldn't save the one person I was assigned to protect.” Taemin told him quietly, “After I was exiled I returned only once, slipped into the Court’s funeral arrangements and left my Emblem with the body of the King shortly before it was put on the pyre.” A heavy sigh, “I then hid myself amongst the crowd to pay my final respects to the King, and watched my Emblem burn alongside my heart.”
“I’m so sorry.” Jonghyun almost whispered, “You’ve lost so much.”
“Don't be sorry Jonghyun, it isn’t your fault.” Taemin told him, “You know nothing of this world, and yet you fit it so well.”
The sad smile his human gave him was so beautiful in its sorrow the Faerie was unsure whether to smile in return, or cry for the loss of all he had once loved; apparently grief had no expiration date.
“I thought Faeries and stuff were Immortal.” Jonghyun said after a moment of silence, “So how could the King be killed?”
“Not all Fae are Immortal, only the unlucky ones like me, and the only thing that can kill the Immortals is a weapon forged by a Faerie or the magic a Faerie weapon contains.”
Noticing Jonghyun’s confused expression, Taemin tried to explain further, “Only ancient blood lines, pure bloods or very important Fae are Immortal- unless somebody is cursed with it the way I was.”
“Who cursed you?” Jonghyun asked, face a little paler than it was before.
“Queen Gwiboon. The day she exiled me.” Taemin told him, “Don't forget your tea,” he smiled, “It’ll go cold.”
Jonghyun nodded, but the Faerie could see the concern shadowing his beautiful face, “Do not feel sad for me, Jonghyun,” he said, “It was centuries ago-“
He stopped short when Jonghyun stood up, quickly closing the distance between them; Taemin was taken completely off guard when Jonghyun pressed the softest of kisses to his lips, but he didn't resist him and instead pulled him closer to return the embrace.
A well of emotion surged up inside the Faerie then, alongside the almost overwhelming urge to possess his little human, but then as quickly as it started their kiss was over and Jonghyun was pulling away looking shocked and embarrassed.
“I’m so sorry Taemin- I shouldn't have pushed myself on you like that I-“ he rambled, upset with himself, “You just seemed so sad but I shouldn't…you’re not my Taemin so I shouldn't delude myself into thinking you are-“
“It’s fine Jonghyun, really.” Taemin said, ignoring the pang of hurt he felt at Jonghyun’s words.
Jonghyun shook his head; “I’m going to take a walk down the garden, clear my head- I don't know what’s gotten into me.”
Sighing heavily, Taemin had no choice but to watch him go because he didn't really know what else he was supposed to do or what the hell was going on. The Faerie didn't understand why his feelings for Jonghyun were so disconnected and turbulent; so intense they were bordering on painful already.
He shouldn't feel anything for anybody other than the King- it was a disgrace to his memory to be falling so hard so fast for somebody who bore only his face, though Taemin knew that statement to be a lie the second it crossed his mind.
The Faerie didn't want to fall in love again, and it angered him to think that he may not have a choice despite the fact that if and when Jonghyun returned home he’d lose him again anyway; these growing feelings were a waste of time.
The shattering of ceramic and a scream of his name had Taemin’s thoughts splintering as he raced outside only to catch Jonghyun tightly in his arms as his little human bolted back towards him.
“What is it Jonghyun, what’s wrong?” Taemin asked when he burst into tears, “Are you hurt?”
Holding him close and trying to hush him, the Faerie felt every single tear like a dagger to the heart that though it hadn’t beat in centuries, was no longer caged in ice that left him frozen and unfeeling.
“T-there’s a d-dead-“ Jonghyun sobbed when Taemin pulled away slightly to look at him, “I’m n-not sure what b-but it’s terrible!”
“Where?”
Jonghyun didn't reply, but pointed to the bottom of the garden, “Wait here.” Taemin said, kissing his cheek quickly before going to see what had gotten him so frightened so fast.
It didn't take the Faerie long to find blood splattered pale green limbs, tattered green, pointed wings, mud covered, moss coloured hair full of broken twigs and lifeless black almond eyes. The poor creature was a dead Pixie, one he recognised as Soojung, an old friend of his from the Unseelie Court who was sent into exile years before him.
Her mangled body showed that she’d been tortured before she’d died, and Taemin reached out to close her eyes and cover her with his jacket, “Rest in peace, dear Soojung.”
“Taemin?”
Standing up at the sound of Jonghyun’s voice, realisation hit Taemin like an arrow to the chest; his beautiful little human was in danger.
“What’s wrong? Taemin?” Jonghyun asked worriedly, clearly noticing the change in his expression.
“She was a Pixie, and old friend who lived in exile like me- and she’s also a message.”
Jonghyun visibly shuddered, “Who would leave a message like that?”
“The Unseelie Queen.” Taemin said simply, their eyes meeting, “She knows you’re here.”
~*~
To be continued